Gene Leedy was known as the father of the Sarasota School of Architecture, and a fellow of the American Institute of Architects. This renowned architect passed this week at the age of 90. Leedy was born in Isaban, West Virginia. His parents subsequently moved the family to Gainesville, Florida, where they opened a small family restaurant. After high school, Leedy entered the University of Florida, where he studied architecture. He married his wife Kathryn Home and settled down in the town of Winter Haven, Florida, where he opened an architectural firm. In 1954, he was commissioned to build his first recognized work, the ‘Sparrow House.’
His design philosophy resulted in a phenomenon of modern architecture, a unique collection created during a period of over fifty years. Leedy produced innovative work with pre-stressed concrete, which led to his creation of double T beams. These techniques have left an enduring legacy and impacted both the past and future of architecture.
The work of Leedy has been recognized with countless awards and accolades. His steadfast conviction to this modern design philosophy resulted in his work being recognized on a global scale. The work of Leedy continues to transform the face of the architectural community and the spaces beyond.
Notable Commercial Work
Cypress Gardens Bank, Winter Haven, Florida, 1965
City Hall, Winter Haven, Florida, 1960
Keiltronix Office Building, Charlotte, North Carolina, 1987
Taxdal Medical Center, Winter Haven, Florida, 1986
Flagship Bank, Orlando, Florida, 1975
Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven, Florida, 1990
Walden Lake Country Club, Plant City, Florida 1985
Commerce Bank of Central Florida, Winter Haven, Florida 1990
American National Bank, Winter Haven, Florida, 1962
Brentwood Elementary School, Sarasota, Florida, 1958
First National Bank of Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral, FL 1963
Notable Residential Work
House for Contemporary Builders, Sarasota, Florida, 1950
Craney Homes, Inc, Winter Haven, Florida, 1956
Weaving/Thomasson house, Winter Haven, Florida, 1956
Navickas Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1957
Dormon Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1963
Libby Residence, Winter Park, Florida, 1957
Sands Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1965
Sparrow Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1954
Brogden Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1979
Miller Residence, Plant City, Florida, 1985
Carlton Beach House, Boca Grande, Florida, 1985
Lifsey President’s House, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 1994
Smith Beach House, Boca Grande, Florida, 1985
Solomon Residence & Studio, Siesta Key, Florida, 1970
Strang Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1970
Strasberg Residence, Longwood, Florida, 1982
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by Gerald Olesker, CEO, ADG Lighting